What is the difference between a trowel finish and a float finish?

• A. Trowel finishes level and prepare the surface; float finishes produce a smooth, dense surface.
• B. Both finishes produce identical surfaces.
• C. Float finishes level and prepare the surface; trowel finishes produce a smooth, dense surface.
• D. Float gives a glossy surface; trowel gives rough surface.

Answer: (C)

Finishing concrete depends on how the tools affect surface texture and density. A float is used first to level the surface and bring an even, creamy layer to the top, leaving a uniform but not fully compacted finish. A trowel then comes in to compact and smooth the surface, creating a hard, dense, smoother finish. So the float’s job is leveling and preparing the surface, while the trowel’s job is to produce the smooth, dense final surface. That aligns with the described option. The other statements don’t fit because they imply the finishes are identical, or that float would create a glossy surface, or that trowel would be rough—none of which matches how these tools actually affect texture and density.